This Colorado highway climbs 6,000 feet in 19 miles and forces mandatory brake temperature checks at Glen Cove

Pikes Peak Highway

Cars climb 6,000 feet in 19 miles on Pikes Peak Highway, fighting gravity through sharp turns and steep grades to reach 14,115 feet. The scariest part comes at “The W’s” switchbacks on the northwest side, where the road twists like a pretzel above tree line.

The climb is so brutal that Rangers must check brake temperatures at Glen Cove to prevent dangerous overheating. Here’s more about this spectacular drive.

The Extreme Elevation Gain

The road climbs 6,000 feet in just 19 miles, and each mile goes up about 315 feet. Many engines lose almost 30 percent of their power at the top because of thin air.

Navigating the “W’s”

The famous “W’s” start near mile 14, just past where trees stop growing. These sharp turns form a W pattern when seen from above.

Each tight curve makes drivers slow to 10 mph or less, and the switchbacks stack right on top of each other up the mountain’s face.

The Steep Gradient

The road slope averages 6.5 percent but reaches 10.5 percent in some spots, and this means climbing 10.5 feet for every 100 feet of travel. About 162 turns pack into the 19-mile route. The first mile from the entrance is one of the steepest parts, testing drivers right away.

Above the Treeline Exposure

Trees stop growing at mile 14 on Pike’s Peak highway. Plants simply can’t live in the harsh weather at this height, creating a bare landscape.

With no trees, you see amazing views but also the steep drops beside the road since few guardrails exist above the treeline.

The Mandatory Brake Temperature Check

The big difference between hot brakes and cold mountain air can warp brake parts or cause complete failure. As a result, every car must stop at Glen Cove on the way down, wherein rangers use heat guns to check brake temperatures to prevent brake failure.

Brakes heating to 300°F enter the danger zone. Some cars hit 450°F or more, forcing them to cool in the parking area.

Downshifting to Prevent Brake Failure

Signs along the way warn: “Don’t ride your brakes.” Rangers tell drivers to use the lowest gear to let the engine slow the car.

Tapping brakes in short bursts instead of holding them down helps prevent overheating during the long trip down.

Racing the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb

Since 1916, race drivers have sped to the top in one of America’s oldest car races. This event is older than the Indianapolis 500.

Racers tackle 156 turns while climbing 4,720 feet in less than 10 minutes, and so far, the fastest time is just over 7 minutes, 57 seconds. People call it the “Race to the Clouds” because drivers literally vanish into the sky as they climb toward the finish line.

Visiting Pikes Peak Highway

You’ll find Pikes Peak Highway in Cascade, Colorado, just off Highway 24 west of Colorado Springs. The entrance gate exists near the North Pole amusement park.

Timed entry permits help manage traffic from May through September. Purchase tickets online before arriving or at the gateway.

All vehicles must stop at Glen Cove during descent for mandatory brake temperature checks.

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